Isla de la Juventude

Cuba’s premier large tarpon fishery

This marine park is located at approximately the same longitude as Havana, just a 35-minute flight south to the city of Nueva Gerona. The Isle of Youth (f.k.a. the Isle of Pines) is Cuba’s premier large tarpon fishery. Resident tarpon are larger average size than found in other areas, and the big migratory fish tend to be bigger as well. Tarpon over 100 pounds are caught frequently from March through June. Fishing available at Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) is a combination of shallow water, sight casting on the flats and some deeper channel fishing. IDJ is also one of the best areas in Cuba for snook. While there is some bonefishing and permit fishing available, IDJ is really better suited for the angler targeting big tarpon.

Avalon offers both land based and live aboard options. Guests opting for land based are accommodated at the Hotel Rancho El Tesoro located on the outskirts if Nueva Gerona. Hotel Rancho is a very basic 1 – 2 star hotel. It appeals to anglers who prefer land based accommodations and enjoy a bit of nightlife in nearby Nueva Gerona.

For live aboard accommodations, Avalon offers the two motherships, Georgiana and Perola, each of which will comfortably accommodate a group of 6 anglers). Both yachts offer comfortable and nicely appointed air-conditioned staterooms and gourmet meals featuring an abundance of fresh seafood, along with fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, chicken and pork dishes.

Our Services are Free!

Please call Angler Adventures 1-800-628-1447 for Pricing Details on any of the Cuban Fishing operations, or for help picking the right Cuban destination for you.

Included: Reception in Havana Airport; all transfers from Hotel in Havana – Isle de la Juventud – Hotel in Havana; 2 nights accommodation in double room base in 5-star hotel in Havana (on arrival and departure) with breakfast included; 6 nights accommodations; all meals while in Isle de la Juventud; 5 full days + 1 half day fishing (two people per skiff); Beverages on board – 10 beers & 30 drinks (water & soft drinks).

Not Included: International Airfare; VIP service on arrival at the Havana Airport; Meals and drink in Havana beyond Breakfast; Fishing tackle (please notify of interest in rentals at time of booking); Cuban Visa; Departure Tax; Gratuities; Personal expenses; Beverages other than stated above; Taxi Transfers Havana Airport – Hotel – Havana Airport; Diving.

Traveling to Cuba Overview

2015 will be remembered in Angling history as the year it became legal for US Citizens, in possession of a travel letter from the non-profit fisheries research and conservation organization Bonefish Tarpon Trust (BTT), to sport fish in Cuba.

2015 is also the year travel restrictions were lifted, making it legal for US airlines to fly to Cuba, US travel agents to book travelers to Cuba and US insurance companies to offer travel insurance to US Citizens traveling to Cuba.

Angler Adventures has been assisting a limited number of US anglers traveling legally to Cuba for several years. But, the easing of restrictions in general and the travel license from BTT in particular, opens the door for any US angler wanting to fish Cuba.

What hasn’t changed (and will take years to catch up) is the tourist infrastructure within Cuba and the transportation network to Cuba. Traveling to Cuba is still complex. We recommend using a knowledgeable, qualified travel agent, whether it’s your first trip or your twelfth.

In addition to having a staff of fishing experts, Angler Adventures is a full service travel agency, licensed to sell travel insurance. Angler Adventures can assist you in selecting a fishing location in Cuba, prepare you for what to fish for and what to bring, assist you in obtaining the travel letter from the BTT, assist with your Cuban Visa, create the most efficient travel itinerary for you and your group and offer you the protection of travel insurance for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation, and more.

Call us today at 1-800-628-1447. There is so much more we’d like to share with you about this fascinating country and phenomenal saltwater fishery.